Cartridge-type teaching device



July 16, 1968 A. scHURE ETAL 3,392,460

CARTRIDGE-TYPE TEACHING DEVICE Filed Aug. 6, 1962 '7 Sheets-Sheet 1'T'lCI-l- 'T1 .21-

July 16, 1968 A. SCHUHE ETAL 3,392,460

CARTRIDGE-TYPE TEACHING DEVICE Filed Aug. 6, 1962 7 Sheets-Sheet '.i'

TAPE RECORDER BY Z /WrZT-ORNEYS July 16.1968 l A. sci-URE ETAL 3,392,460

CARTRIDGE- TYPE TEACHING DEVICE Filed Aug. 6, 1962 7 Sheets-Sheet .'5

INVENTOR. ALEXANDER SCHUHE By PH/L/P @Evo/v ATTORNE July 16, 1968 A.scHuRE ETAL 3,392,460

CARTRIDGE-TYPE TEACHING DEVICE FIG-L3 \\\\\\l l \L I ll INVENTOR.ALEXANDER SCHUHE BY PHIL/P DEVON olii/0040( Hdl/@K A TTORNEY CARTRIDGE-TYPE TEACHING DEVICE Filed Aug. 6, 1962 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 f1.7,....nuuw

Fly-26 p17-25 INVENTOR. /ILEXHNDER .SCHUHE PHIL/P D O BY EV N July 16,1968 A. scHURE ETAL 3,392,460

CARTRIDGE-TYPE TEACHING DEVICE Filed Aug. 6, 1962 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 .F@oo 32s 'O' graal 32o mi RF INVENTORS ALEXANDER SCHURE BY PHILIP DEVQNJuly 16, 1968 A. SCHUHE ETAL 3,392,460

CARTRIDGE-TYPE TEACHING DEVICE Filed Aug. e, 1962 7 sheets-sheet vINVENTOR. ALExANDEn scHuRE BY |=H|L|P DEvoN 0M/oud Haug ATTORNEY UnitedStates Patent O 3,392,460 CARTRIDGE-TYPE TEACHING DEVICE AlexanderSchure, Belle Harbor, and Philip Devon, Long Beach, N.Y., assignors, bymesne assignments, to Educational Aids Publishing Corp., Carle Place,N.Y., a corporation of New York Continuation-impart of application Ser.No. 95,223,

Mar. 13, 1961. This application Aug. 6, 1962, Ser.

4 Claims. (Cl. 315-9) This invention relates to a cartridge-typeteaching device, and is a continuation-in-part of our copendingapplication for Teaching Device filed Mar. 13, 1961, Ser. No. 95,223,now Patent No. 3,046,675, issued July 31, 1962, and acontinuation-in-part of our copending application for Cartridge-typeTeaching Device led Feb. 5, 1962, Ser. No. 171,313, now abandoned.

As has become known in recent years, there is a pressing need for a newtechnique in educational methods. The need is a result of the increasingpopulation and the in- .adequacy of the present sources of teachersupply and school facilities. As a result of these and other pressureson the educational system and methods, considerable effort and moneyhave been expended to improve the efficiency of the educational process.

Recently, teaching machines have been proposed which represent 4a new-type of equipment in education. The teaching machines have made adramatic impact upon the educational process and give promise of greatlyincreasing the eiiiciency of the educational process.

As is known, teaching machines are devices which increase the teacherscontrol over learning activities within a classroom. They are primarilydesigned as ya tool for lthe teacher. In this sense, they are analogousto books, radio, closed circuit television, motion pictures and otherteaching devices. They present information as one of their primefunctions.

Although the invention will -be described as an institutional teachingaid with compromise proof features, the invention may also be used as aself-educational aid for home use and the compromise proof features neednot be employed. For example, the novel teaching device may be used lasa supplement with encyclopedias now becoming so popular for home use.

In copending application of Alexander Schure, Ser. No. 69,599, led Nov.16, 1960, now Patent No. 3,046,675, issued Iuly 31, 1962, there isdisclosed an improved teaching device which may be manufacturedrelatively inexpensively as compared with other known teaching devices.The device of this invention, however, involves a novel concept ofenclosing the teaching material within a modular form which may be usedindividually or in combination with other similar forms to increase theVfunctional and educational capabilities of the device. By providing abasic unit or module, including a cartridge for containing the materialbearing stimuli, the device is relatively inexpensive to manufacture,permits use of the device at home or in the classroom, and effectivelyextends the application of the device to an unlimited range of areas andsubjects. This almost unlimited versatility of the novel device is madepossible through a simple substitution of cartridges 'within a module,each cartridge containing different subject matter.

Another object of the invention is to provide a compromise-proofcartridge-type teaching device or modular unit which can be easilyloaded in a teaching machine.

A further object is to provide a programed cartridgetype teaching devicecapable of being used over and over again for use in combination withanother cartridge-type device containing a disposable response sheet.

A still further object is to provide a cartridge-type teaching device.adapted to contain both program and answer ICC sheets, and which initself is adapted for use in determining the students response to theeducational content of the device.

These and other -objects will more clearly appear when taken inconjunction with the followingdescription and the accompanying drawings,wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a modular form provided -by ourinvention partially broken away to show more clearly the structurethereof;

FIG. 2 is a cross section taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross section taken along line 3 3 of FIG. 1showing the details of a pawl and ratchet arrangement which may be usedwith the cartridge;

FIG. 4 depicts a tandem-type arrangement of a program module associatedwith an answer module;

FIG. 4a is an enlarged fragment of an answer module showing in moredetail the slots which make up the observation station;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragment of FIG. 4 showing the relation betweenthe program sheet and the .answer sheet of the two cartridges;

FIG. 6 shows fragmentarily the window of a module in which the samesheet material is adapted to contain both the program stimuli and theresponse;

FIG. 7 is illustrative of one embodiment of a cartridge adapted to beinserted into a portion of a module;

FIG. 8 is a cross section taken along the line 8--8 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a cross section of another embodiment of a cartridge in whichonly one spool is employed;

FIG. 10 is a simplified diagrammatic illustration of an educationaldevice operated by contact buttons on the response sheet;

FIG. 1l shows components of a modified form of the invention in explodedperspective;

FIG. 12 isa top plan view of the form shown in FIG. 11 with parts cutaway;

FIG. 13 is a side elevation with some components in phantom;

FIG. 14 is a cross section along the lines 14-14 in FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a detail of the web storage and reeling means of the deviceassociated with a bearing of the device;

FIG. 16 is a cross section along the lines 16-16 in FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 shows components of a modified form of the invention in explodedperspective;

FIG. 18 is .a cross section of an alternate form of web storage andreeling means;

FIG. 19 shows an idler roller of the device;

FIG. 20 is a top plan view of a pair of cartridges made in accordancewith the invention;

FIG. 21 is a cross section along the lines 21-21 in FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 21 with the top cover andother components removed;

FIG. 23 shows components of a modified form of the invention in explodedperspective;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a working surface means;

FIG. 25 is a sectional view along the lines 25-25 in FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a diagrammatic view of a side elevation of the device asshown in FIG. 23 to show the method and structure of reeling the web;

FIG, 27 shows components of another modified form of the invention isexploded perspective;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the alternate form of web reeling andstorage mechanism as used in the form of invention shown in FIG. 27;

FIG. 29 shows the reeling mechanism in medial cross section;

FIG. 30 is a sectional view of the form of device shown in FIG. 27 withcover lifted;

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the form of device shown in FIG. 27assembled and ready for use;

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of another modified form of the invention;

FIG. 33 is a plan view of a blank used in manufacturing the box of theform of invention shown in FIG. 32;

FIG. 34 is a plan view of a blank also used in manufacturing themodified form of invention as shown in FIG. 32;

FIG. 35 is a side elevation of a roller with parts in extended position;

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the roller shown in FIG. 35 and FIG. 37shows the blank of FIG. 34 folded into position in combination with apair of rollers as shown in FIG. 36 containing a web of programmaterial.

Similar numerals refer to similar parts throughout the several views.

In accordance with the broad aspects of our invention, we provide acartridge-type teaching device comprising a housing, an observationstation associated with a surface of said housing, means within saidhousing for supporting sheet material containing stimuli including meansfor progressively moving at least a portion of said sheet material tothe observation station, means for exposing a predetermined portion ofsheet material containing stimuli to be observed at said observationstation, and means within said housing for receiving and storing atleast said predetermined portion after said portion has passed theobservation station.

The foregoing basic modular unit, i.e., cartridge and housing, permitsthe handling of all or part of the program and, as stated hereinbefore,is advantageous in relieving the teacher of loading or unloadingresponsibilities and in permitting ready storage of the program forimmediate use according to subject matter. The units are enclosed andare adapted to feed one or more rolls or slips of paper from the bottomto the top, or the top to the bottom, or from top to bottom and back tothe top again, depending on the arrangement of the observation stationor window associated with the housing.

The cartridge or modular unit may contain as an integral part of itsstructure a spring, clip, ratchet or other device to constrain thedirection of motion so as to allow feeding of sheet material in onedirection only. However, one of the important advantages of theinvention resides in the unique construction of the observation stationwhich eliminates the necessity for separate constructional means toconstrain the direction of motion. The modular unit may be arranged withtwo or more windows (observation stations), on opposed surfaces of thehousing with the paper feed in between so that stimuli may be printed onboth sides of the paper and observed without reversing the cartridge.

In a preferred embodiment, two or more separate cartridges may be used;one for the presentation of the educational program, and the second forthe correct answers with additional space for the student to write inhis response. This embodiment has the advantage of permitting continuousre-use of the educational program. Of course, one cartridge housing bothprogram and answer space may be utilized, although the distinctadvantages of a disposable answer section are apparent. The studentoperates the machine by placing the cartridges into operable positionand then manipulates the program cartridge to expose the stimuliconstituting the first item. The answer cartridge, which has beensimilarly loaded and which lies alongside the program cartridge shows ablank space with a corresponding number where the student will write hisresponse. After writing the answer, the student advances the answercartridge, bringing into view the correct answer which had been hiddenby any suitable masking or obscuring means and observes the correctanswer which now lies in close proximity to his response. The answercartridge is now positioned for the next answer.

Of course, the most economical embodiment does not include mechanicalsprings, grippers, or other devices which prevent paper slippage, andalso eliminates the ratchet necessary to keep the paper moving in onedirection only. In the cartridge dealing with the program, which is themodular unit presenting the items to be answered, the slot is sostructured as to cause the paper to be fed under tension between slotslying on the top and the bottom of the box. A plastic or other type ofwindow at the observation station may be futilized to prevent the paperlfrom being soiled. On the answer cartridge, the `same type of slot isused with an appropriate mask to conceal the correct answer while thestudent is writing his answer, 4without any possibility of compromise onthe part of the student. The sheet is preferably in the form of a reelcontaining the answers and the answer spaces, and is inserted in the`second module in such manner as to eliminate external dowels or handleswhich ycould be turned to move the paper in reverse direction. That is,the student may turn the answer sheet in one direction only. When he hascompleted all of the questions, he 'has a neatly rolled, sealedcartridge which he may turn in to the instructor. The instructor maythen issue another question Cartridge for use in the same modular unitand another answer cartridge for the tandem unit. Alternatively, thequestion cartridge may be handed to another student with a new answercartridge. In this manner, the teacher may utilize the modulator machinemany times during the class day in many different ways to effectuateoptimum teaching efficiency.

The modular form which encloses the program cartridge may be sostructured as to 'house the answer cartridge within it simply byproviding an opening, which may be left Iopened or sealed at thediscretion of the designer, under each of the tension slots. The answercartridge would be slipped into position directly underneath each of thetension slots. The observation window cut opposite the slots into theframe would permit a unit package of very convenient shape andrelatively small size, and reduce the answer cartridge to dimensionseasy to handle. The answer cartridge would contain its own dowel. Themodular form of the machine could, of course, be constituted of wood,paper, cardboard, plastic or other suitable materials, depending uponthe choice of the designer.

As illustrative of one embodiment of the invention, reference is made toFIG. 1 (partially broken away for purpose of clarity) which depicts amodular unit designated generally by the numeral 1 comprising a housing2 formed of top, bottom and side walls as shown. The top surface of thehousing has an observation station designated generally as 3 and asimilar observation station 4 at the bottom surface thereof. A spool 5containing a roll of paper 6 of program material is provided at one endof the housing axially supported at the sides thereof, the spool havinga knurled head 7 as shown. A takeup spool 8 with knurled head 9 isprovided at the other end of the 'housing for taking up the sheetmaterial, the sheet material passing through slots in the housing (noteFIG. 2) so as to expose stimuli on said sheet for observation atstations or windows 3 and 4. The spools 5 and 8 are axially stabilizedby means of star washers 6a or the like. Thus, as sheet 6 is positivelyunraveled from spool S during take-up of spool 8, the sheet passesthrough slot 10 and over the outside bottom surface of the housing, thenthrough slot 11 and diagonally through the interior of the housingthrough slot 12 over the top surface of the housing, down through slot13 and around spool 8. The sheet moves in the direction of the arrowindicated at station 3 of FIG. 1 while the student observes or studiesthe educational content of the sheet. As is apparent, only a portion ofthe sheet is exposed, the remainder of the unravelled sheets beingmasked by the housing itself. The unique arrangement of providingobservation stations on opposite sides of the housing permits both sidesof the program sheet 6 to be used conveniently by simply reversing theposition of the box.

Although we have found that the inter-twininfg of the paper sheetthrough the housing adequately restrains the sheet against slippage, ifdesired a pawl and ratchet `wheel combination (note FIG. 1) is providedwhich is shown more clearly in the enlarged cross section of FIG. 3, asviewed along line 3-3 of FIG. 1. The pawl 15 is pivotally connected toside wall means of the housing via pin 16 with the end of the pawlriding the teeth of ratchet wheel 17 as shown, but being adapted to lockthe wheel when it tries to move in the opposite direction; the wheel 7,of course, bein-g integral with or rigidly attached to the spool 8 byany suita-ble means. Alternatively, a spring may be employed whichpermits only unidirectional rotation of the spools.

In the basic unit shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, only one observation stationneed be provided, although, as previously explained, two observationstations have the advantage of utilizing both sides of the programsheet. Thus, as the sheet nears its end of travel at station 3, warningstimuli would appear advising the observer to reverse the housing orturn over the cartridge for the next program of material.

We find one embodiment of our invention particularly valuable inpresenting prompts, questions, stimuli and the like, while concealingthe correct response or answer until predetermined conditions arefulfilled. Such an embodiment is shown in FIG. 4 where two basic modularunits are employed, one containing the programmed material, the otherwith the corresponding correct answers predeterminedly concealed untilthe question has been answered by the student by recording in the placeprovided on the answer sheet in the other unit.

Referring to FIG. 4, two cartridges are shown 20 and 20a, both similarlyprovided with unwinding spools 21 and 21a and take-up spools 22 and 22a.Two pawl and ratchet wheel combinations 23 and 23a may also be providedif desired in association with the take-up spools. A question or programsheet 24 is associated with the spools of cartridge 20 and an answersheet 24a with the spools of cartridge 29a. The two cartridges arepreferably, although not necessarily, synchronously associated togetherwith e.g., flexible couplings 25 and 26, e.g., heavy rubber tubing, sothat as program sheet 24 is fed from unwinding spool 21 to take-up spool22, answer sheet 24a moves with it. Other forms of rigid or flexiblecoupling will be apparent to those skilled in the art. It will beappreciated that the cartridges need not be connected together butoperated separately, provided one is positioned relative to the other sothat predetermined portions on each sheet correspond indicia forindicia. If it is not desired to synchronize the movement of the spools,the dowels extending through one unit, e.g., the program unit may beused to support and guide the answer unit by simply passing through theside walls thereof.

As in FIG. l, the modular unit 20 of FIG. 4 has a window or observationstation determined by two parallel slots 27, 28 through which theprogram or question sheet is threaded as described for FIG. 1. In orderto protect the sheet from being soiled or render it tamper-proof, atransparent covering 29 of plastic sheathing or other material issecured to the surface of the module, the upper and lower marginsthereof being free to allow for traversing of the program sheet beneaththe covering.

Similarly, cartridge 20a is provided with a window or observationstation determined by slots 27a, 28a. the lower slot 27a is angularlyconfgurated to provide opaque tongue or mask 30 which conceals a correctanswer on the answer sheet while the observer is recording his answer inan adjacent space left for that purpose. The arrangement of slot 27a andtongue 30 is more easily discernable in FIG. 4A. A transparent covering29a is similarly provided secured on top of the window of module 20a toinsure an answer sheet that is compromise proof. A cutout is provided atthe right hand corner of the transparent covering in order to provideaccessibility to a predetermined portion of the answer sheet forrecording the observers answers.

Thus, assuming question No. l, calling for a yes or no answer, has beenexposed on a predetemined portion of the program sheet in module 20, theobserver writes in an answer, for example yes, on the portion of theanswer sheet provided for that purpose in synchrony with the programsheet. Underneath mask 30, the correct answer is concealed from theobserver until the -observer records his answer and then moves theanswer sheet, or, if preferred, the two sheets synchronously by turningtake-up spool 22 to the position shown in FIG. 5 which is a fragmentedenlargement of the observation stations shown in FIG. 4.

If desirable, the questions and answers may be associated with a singlemodular unit. In this connection, the program and answer portion mayappear on one and the same sheet, or on two parallel arranged strips,provision being made for a masking means to conceal the correct answeron the answer sheet. One embodiment of a single module is shownfragmentally in FIG. 6 which depicts a fragment of modular unit 31having slots 32, 33 through which sheet material 34 is threaded as inthe other embodiment described hereinabove. The sheet is divided by apair of dotted lines 35 into two main portions, program portion 36 andanswer portion 37. The answer portion is further sub-divided into acorrect answer portion concealed by mask 38 associated with slit 32 anda space adjacent the concealed answer for recording the answer of theobserver. A transparent covering 39 of plastic or other material issecured to the top of the housing to protect the sheet material and toaid further in rendering the device compromise-proof. The cover has acut-out in the lower right hand corner adapted to render accessible onlythat portion of the answer sheet to the observer for the recordation ofthe answer.

While the foregoing combined program and answer modular unit maintainsdistraction to a minimum, We prefer a separate program unit as it can beused over and over again without recharging while the combined type, thecombined program and answer sheet must be replaced after use by astudent.

One of the advantages of our invention is that a cartridge may beproduced as a sub-unit for insertion into the modular unit. One suchembodiment is shown in FIG. 7 which depicts a fragment of a modular unit40 having a substantially U-shaped trough having a track or groove 41 atthe bottom thereof and inwardly projecting shoulders 42 and 43 at thetop portion of the U, said trough being adapted to receive in lockingengagement therewith catridge unit designated generally by numeral 44.The upper corners of the cartridge are provided with steps 45 and 46 forcooperating with shoulders 42 and 43 of the larger device. The bottom ofthe cartridge has a downwardly projecting tongue 47 adapted to ridegroove 41 ofthe module when the cartridge is inserted into the trough.As in the previously described embodiments, cartridge 44 is providedwith unwinding and take-up spools 48, 49, respectively, for moving sheetmaterial 50 across the top of the units through slots 51 and 52 (notealso FIG.' 8).

While the various embodiments depicted in the drawing show the :sheetmaterial supported as a coil on an unwinding spool, the sheet materialto be fed to the observation station may be stored in other forms. Onemethod is shown in FIG. 9 which is -a cross section of a cartridgeshowing accordian folded sheet or strip material 55 stored wit-hincartridge 56. A take-up spool 57 is provided for winding up the strip asit passes through slots l58 and 59. If desired, a nger or wiper 60 ofresiliant material, eig., spring steel, may be provided anchored by abolt or screw `61 at the bottom of the cartridge, with the end 62 of thefinger being adapted to maintain continual pressure against the stripand the underside of the top of the cartridge yso as to provide thenecessary tension on the strip as it passes through the slots.

It may be desirable to utilize the novel teaching device in combinationwith another form of educational tool, :such as an audio or visualdevice, along the lines mentioned in co-pending application Ser. No.69,599. Thus, the teaching device provided 'by our invention may beprovided with means for automatically controlling the operation of theadditional educational tool. Various kinds of response rneans may beemployed, such as conductive ink or printed circuitry carried on one ofthe strips in the cartridge. For example, the marking of a heavy leadpencil in the answer column might be sufficient in cooperation withother circuitry electrically to couple in an audio device, e.g., a taperecorder, `a visual scoring light, etc. In FIG. we show one combinationin which we utilize as an educational tool a tape recorder `65 having aloudspeaker 66 contained within an insertable cartridge such as shown inFIG. 7. At predetermined intervals on the response sheet, e.g., after aseries of questions covering one aspect of a subject or at theconclusion of a lesson, the response sheet is provided with buttoncontacts 67, 68 and printed strip 69 on sheet 70 to complete the powercircuit for the recorder, whereby the record is automatically set intooperation. Alternatively, the response sheet may `be perforated, and theperforations sensed by suitable sensing means to operate the recorder.

In another form of our invention shown in FIGS 11 through 16, we providea teaching device made up in box-like fashion with a bottom frameportion 100 having side walls 101 `and end walls 102 as well as a bottom103. There is also a top frame portion 104 with side walls -105 and 106and a top surface 107. The top portion 104 is relatively larger than thebottom portion 100 so that it may be adapted to slide t over the bottomportion to make a box-like enclosure or housing 108 as illustrated inFIGS. 12, 13 and 14 of the drawings.

Lower walls 101 and 102 should tit within upper walls 105 and 106 toprovide substantial registration between the outer sides of the saidlower walls and the inner sides of the said upper walls. This will addto the sturdiness of the assembled box-like device, or housing 108.

There is =at least one observation station 110 in upper surface 104, andat least one observation station 111 in lower surface 103. The number ofobservation stations on each surface may be varied to suit theparticular teaching purpose of the device.

Since the purpose of our invention is to provide a teaching 'means in`connection with a web or tape 112, on which various stimuli means orprograms are placed, it is desirable to -have means to present differentportions of ythe web to the said observation stations 110 and 1111. Itis also desirable to use both sides of the web 112, and to provide thatthe first, or face side 113, will be presented -to one of theobservation stations `such as observation `station 110, and the reverse,or back side 114, of the web, should be presented to yanother of theobservation stations such `as observation station `111. In this manner,both sides 113 and 114 of web 112 may be utilized by completely reelingthe web iirst in a forward direction and observing its portions throughobservation station 110, and then turning over device 108 and reelingthe web back in reverse direction to observe the other side 114 throughobservation station 111.

We have provided novel and simple means to accomplish this as follows:Bearing means 115 are `formed by means of U-shaped slots 116 in the sidewalls 101 of the bottom portion of the device in cooperation withU-shaped slots 117 in the side walls 105 of top portion 105 of thedevice. The said slots 116 `and 117 are so placed in invertedrelationship in the said walls 101 and 105 respec- .tively so that theywill be located in opposed pairs in each wall, and the U-shapedsemi-circular inner ends 118 of each slot 11-6 will be registered withU-shaped semicircular inner ends 119 `of each slot 117 in such invertedfashion to form between the-m a substantially circular bearing 115.

The housing 108 may be `made of plywood, plastic, paper or cardboard orany other suitable material. We may also provide side wall inserts 120which are made of heavy board, plastic, plywood or other material toserve :as strengtheners and as internal frame members for the device.These inserts 120 will be particularly helpful, if not necessary, forstrengthening purposes and for providing bearing surfaces for the idlerrollers 123 and 124, where the housing 108 is made of lightweightcardboard. Each insert will be maintained within -the lower frameportion by means of adhesive, nails, rivets or other suitalble means,and will have U-shaped slots 116a which will substantially register withU-shaped slots 116. Opposed inserts will also have pairs of idler rollerbearings 121 which may be made in the form of U-shaped cuts spaced alongboth sides of a U-shaped cut 116a, and an upper edge 120a of the insert120 and other sets of pairs of idler roller bearings 122 placed at thelower edge 120b of inserts 120 so 'that one set will be on either sideof -a second pair of opposed U-shaped cuts 11611.

We provide web guide means such as a pair of upper idler rollers orspindles 123 and mount them within bearings 121. Web guide means such asa pair of lower idler rollers 124, which are identical in appearance toupper idler rollers 123, are located and mounted within bearings 122.Each roller 123 or 124, as the case may be, has reduced ends 125 whichare adapted to fit within bearings 121 or 122, as the case may be.

This form of our device also has an upper working platform having awriting bar or working surface 131 and a lower working platform 132having a writing bar or working surface 133. These platforms 130 and 132may be mounted on suitable shoulders 134 or in seat constructions 135.The upper working platform 130 is fitted into the shoulders 134 in sucha manner that it is easily removable and yet will remain in place whentop portion 104 is properly placed over bottom portion 100 of thedevice. This removable type of construction is necessary to permitinterchangeable web storage and sealing means 140 to be placed withinthe U-shaped slots 116 and 116a immediately associated with shoulders134.

The lower working platform 132 is fitted into and slide ts through seats135 in the inserts 120 and also through openings 135a in lower sidewalls 101. The width of U-shaped cuts 119 in upper side walls 105 whichfit over openings 135a, when housing 108 is closed, is relativelynarrower than the width of opening 135a. Thus, when lower workingplatform 132 is in position, it will be held in place by the top frameportion 104. When top frame portion 104 is removed, lower workingplatform 132 may be removed from the device to facilitate loading andremoval of interchangeable webs 112. The working platforms 130 and 132may be made of wood or metal. However, we prefer to make them of anextruded plastic. We find that if the plastic material is black incolor, the writing bars 131 and 133 serve as a better Writing baseunderneath the web 112.

The web storage and reeling means comprises a hub 141 extruded frompolyethylene having radially extending longitudinal spurs, orprojections, 142 around its circumference. Hub 141 may be solid orhollow. We prefer to use the hub 141 which is hollow because it impartsa certain elasticity or resiliency to the completed web storage andreeling means 140. There is a web reeling sleeve 143 made of board ofplastic which has an inside diameter substantially equal to the outsidediameter of hub 141 including projections 142. Sleeve 143 is adapted toslide lit over hub 141. It is held in place by the friction meansprovided by the radial projections 142, the edges of which contact theinner surface of sleeve 143. The outer surface of sleeve 143 is adaptedto hold and reel a web 112 and end of web 112 is attached to sleve 143in any manner known to the art such as by the use of adhesives. Sleeve143 is relatively shorter than hub 141 so that when the web storage andreeling means 140 is placed within a pair of opposed slots 116, the ends144 0f hub 141 will extend a distance outside of the slots and the ends145 of sleeve 143 will end within the slots 116 or 116a as the case maybe. This serves a double purpose. First, ends 145 serve to limit lateralmovement of hub 141 and maintain it in position within slots 116a.Secondly, it permits ends 144 to extend beyond slots 116, and when topportion 104 is placed over vbottom portion 100, it further permits ends144 to extend beyond slots 119 leaving a portion of approximately 1/2 ormore which may be grasped by the fingers of a user to rotate the hub 141and with it, sleeve 143. It is also understood that when the box 108 isin closed position, bearing 115 will be formed around hub end 144, andwill have the same relationship to projections 142 as does the sleeve143 as already described. Thus, another friction means is provided tokeep hubs 141 from rotating unless force is applied by means of thefingers or otherwise. This relationship is such that when force torotate is applied, the web storage and reeling means will readilyrotate, and when force is not applied, it will remain in a non-rotatingposition. Thus, a pair of web storing and reeling means are used in thedevice 108 to reel a web 112 between them. The web 112 will usually bestored on one of the storage and reeling means 141 prior to being placedin the device 108. This means 141, which we shall designate as F forfirst in FIG. 14 of the drawings, is placed in the device with the topportion or cover 104 off. A leading edge of web 112 is then reeled andled and reeled around lower idler rollers 124 so that it will be betweenobservation station 111 and lower working surface 133. The web is thenled and reeled around upper idler rollers 123 so that it will 'bebetween upper observation station 110 and upper working surface 131, andthen it is reeled to the other web storage and reeling means 141,designated letter S for second at FIG. 14 of the drawings, where it isfastened to the said sleeve 143 of said means 141 by means of adhesivesuch as a pressure sensitive ad-hesive strip 150.

Referring again to FIG. 14 will show that when roller S is rotatedclockwise, the web will move in the direction of arrow A and the face orfirst side 113 will be visible through observation station 110. Afterthe web is cornpletely reeled, the device may be turned over and thenmeans F may be rotated in Iclockwise direction to move the web in thedirection of arrow B, and the reverse or second side 114 of web 112 maybe observed through observation station 111. Thus, while unreeling theweb 112 originally stored in web ystorage and reeling means 141designated as F, a first side 113 may be completely scanned, and in theact of re-reeling the web 112 0n means F, the second side 114 may becompletely scanned. AIn this manner, by providing many webs 112 storedon other web storage and reeling means 141, a vast amount of educationalstimuli or program material can be viewed and used for educationalpurposes lwith this particular type of cartridge or modular device 108as vdisclosed in this form of our invention.

In FIGS. 17 and 18 of the drawings, we show alternate bearing, hub landsleeve constructions to provide the radial friction means. In this formof construction, the bearings designated as 115a have inwardly dependingprojections 160 and the sleeve 143a has inwardly depending longitudinalprojections 161. The outer surface of the hub 141a is smooth. Thus, theradial friction means is provided by projections from the bearings 115aand the sleeves 143a in this construction 'actin-g on the relativelysmooth surface of the hub 141a. While we prefer the construction inwhich the projections 142 are on the hub 141, we describe this alternateform as being an equivalent construction to provide radial frictionmeans.

In FIGS. 20, 2l and 22, we show how cartridge 108 may be connected to anauxiliary cartridge so that the question material contained on web 112of cartridge 108 may be used in connection with an answer web 176 ofauxiliary or answer cartridge 175. Cartridge 175 has a lower frameportion 177 and an upper frame portion 178, each having walls, la bottomand a top respectively and fitting together to form ca-rtridge 175 in amanner similar to the construction of cartridge housing 108. In thisconstruction, lower side walls 180 are provided with shoulders 181 forwriting bars 182 and openings 183 for writing bars 184. One or moreobservation stlations 185, located in upper frame portion 178, areassociated with writing bar 182, and one or more observation stations186, located in lower frame 177, are associated with writing bar 183.

In FIGS. 20 and 21 of the dnawings, we show plastic circular buttonsaffixed to one of lower side walls 180. Buttons 190 have a diametersubstantially the same as the inside diameter of web reeling sleeves 143so that sleeves 143 may be fitted and held in place within cartridge 175by inserting them over a button 190. Button 190 may be provided torotate on a rivet 191 or it may be rigidly aixed to Wall 180. In eithercase, sleeve 143 will be permitted to rotate either on the button 190rotatably affixed to the rivet 191, or by providing a slide frictionrotating relationship between a cardboard sleeve 143 and a plasticbutton 190. A suitable opening 195 is provided by cuts in opposite wall180 in the same manner as bearings 115 are provided in cartridge 108 sothat ends 144 of hubs 141 may enter cartridge 175 and make a frictionslide fit within sleeves 143 as shown in FIG. 20 of the drawings. Thenwhen opposite ends 144 of hubs 141 are rotated, sleeves 143 withincartridge 175 will also be rotated land the webs 112 and 176 of bothcartridges will move together. Reference to FIG. 21 of the drawings willshow the pathway of web 176. Thus, when a particular question appears onweb 112 through observation station 110, an appropriate answer portionon web 176 will be available through observation station 185. In thisform of the invention, the two cartridges may be operated together withthe simple working parts consisting of the hubs 140 and the sleeves 143friction fitted together and held in bearings 115 and by the buttons190. This eliminates all forms of pawls, ratchets or other breakingmechanisms.

We have provided 'a modified form of the device as shown in FIG. 23 ofthe drawings in which the observation stations 200 and 201 arepositioned in the top frame portion 202. In this specification, it is tobe understood that an observation station such as 110, 200 and 201, mayhave one or more viewing openings as desired. Thus, while the termobservation station may be used in the singular, it will cover such astation having more than one opening.

The bearings means comprising U-shaped slots 116 and 1'16a and 117 aresimilar in construction in this form of the device to the bearing meansas shown in the form of the invention shown at FIGS. 11 and 15 of thednawings, and the web reeling and storage means for use with this form-are like those shown at FIGS. ll through 19. However, in the form ofthe device shown in FIG. 23, opposed inserts 210 are provided which havedifferently arranged idler roller bearings, such as the bearings 211,212, 213, 214, 215 and 216 which support idler rollers 217, 218, 219,220, 221 and 222 respectively, as the web guide means.

Inserts 210 also have writing bar or working surface seats 225 and 226for writing bars or working surface means 227. In this form of theinvention, the writing bar is made preferably of a plastic such asmodified polystyrene or any other high impact plastic known to the art.The working surface means 227 is designed to seat in the seats 225 and226, and has a pair of downwardly depending struts 228 which willmaintain it in place when properly seated.

Reference to FIG. 26 of the drawings will show the method of reeling web230. When roller X is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction, the web230 will move in the direction of arrow marked X. Likewise, when rollerY is moved in a counter-clockwise direction, the web 230 will move inthe direction of arrow marked Y, thereby moving in a reverse directionto that of arrow X. Rollers X and Y depict completed web storage andreeling means, such as means 140. Thus, an entire web 230 may be reeledrst in the direction of arrow X 'and then in the direction of arrow Y sothat the face, designated by reference numeral 235, will pass beneathobservation station 200, and the reverse, designated by referencenumeral 236, will pass beneath observation station 201, and all thematerial on both sides of the web 230 can be observed through either oneor the other of the observation stations 200 or 201 on the top surfaceof the device.

In order to prevent viewing both sides of the web 230 through theobservation stations 200 and 201 at the same time, we have provided aap- 238 which may be attached by means of an adhesive tape 239, or anyother means, to a medial section on top surface 240 so that it may beflipped to cover either observation station 200 or observation station201 to render only one of them visible at ia time.

In another form of this invention, we may provide a bottom framestructure and reeling mechanism as shown in FIG. 23 of the drawings,together with a top frame structure 107 as shown in FIG. 11 of thedrawings. In this form of the invention, top structure 107 provides onlyone observation station 110 at one end of the structure. A cover such as107 could be placed on with the observation station 110 directly abovethe working surface means over roller X as shown in FIG. 26 of thedrawings `for the purpose of viewing the face 235 of the web 230, andthen the cover could be reversed with the observation 110 placed overthe position of the working surface means over the roller Y to reviewthe reverse 236 of the web 230. Thus, while one side of the web 230 wasbeing viewed through observation station 110, the other wide of the web230 could be concealed by the frame structure of top cover 107.

In still another form of this invention, we may provide a structure suchas shown in FIG. 27 of the drawings. In this form of invention, the web300 is reeled on web reeling sleeve 30.1 which is similar inconstruction to web reeling sleeve 143 mentioned hereinabove, and ismade of board or plastic, and has an inside diameter substantially equalto the outside diameter of inner end 302 of hub means 303. Outer ends304 of hub means 303 have a keying projection 305 which is adapted tolit into key means such as a female key 306 in the center of loperatingwheel or disc 307, at the inner side thereof. On the outer side ofoperating wheel 307 we provide an axis means 308. The axis means may bea continuation of the material of disc 307, such as a molded plasticdisc or a turned or whittled wooden disc, or it may actually be a steelpin or any other means to serve as a hu'b for disc 307.

We also provide a box 310 having a bottom portion 311 with provision atthe sides 312 and 313 to have bearing means for the axis means of thedisc 307. In the form of invention shown, these bearing means 314 are inthe shape of U-shaped cuts on auxiliary sides 312g and 313a which arefiitted inside sides 312 and 313 respectively.

We also provide a working surface 320 over which web 300 is adapted tobe reeled. In this form of the invention, working surface 320 is made ofpaperboard, and has sides 321 and 322, and this construction is insertedcentrally in the box bottom 311. The diameter of wheels or discs 307 issufficiently wide so that when the axis means 308 are resting on thebearings 314, the circumference 325 of disc 307 will come to a levelhigher than the top of the box 310. We provide a cover 326 adapted tofit over the bottom 311 and having one or more observation stations 327and 328 as well as four cuts 329 adapted to t over the extendingcircumferences 325 of wheels 307.

Thus, when all components are in place, the circumferences 325 may bepushed by the fingers or thum-bs of the user in the direction of thearrows as shown in FIG. 3l to move the web 300 in the direction of thearrow F in FIG. 30. Web 300 is reeled on a reel 301 and set into thedevice as shown at point identified as RS in FIG. 30 of the drawings.The web 300 is reeled from reel 301 at position RS over working surface320 and over and around the reel 301 of position RF as shown in FIG. 30.After the web 300 is reeled on reel 301 at RF, the box 310 is opened andthe reel 301 is removed and changed with reel 301 at position RS. Thereels are now in reverse position, and the other side of web 300 can beviewed through observation stations 327 and 328.

The purpose of providing discs 307 separately from hubs 303 and sleeves30.1 is so that these may remain with the device for use interchangeablywith web reeling sleeves 301 having different programs.

In still another form of this invention we may provide a structure asshown in FIGS. 32 through 37 of the drawings. In this form of invention,the web 400 is reeled on a web reeling sleeve 401 made of board orplastic which has an inside diameter substantially equal to the outsidediameter of the inner hub of operating wheel or disc 403. Operatingwheel or disc 403 has an outer hub 404.

In this form of the device, we provide an inner frame structure whichcomprises a blank 410 made of cardboard, paperboard or other scoreableor foldable material. The blank is `scored or punched for folding asfollows. Holes 411 are punched out to provide bearing means for theouter hubs 404 of the operating wheels 403. Scoring or punching meansare provided so that tabs 412 may be punched out of sides 416 when thesides are folded down along folding score lines 414. Slits 413 arepunched out of the sides 416 so that tabs 412 may be fitted into theslits when sides 417 are folded down along folding score lines 4.15.

The assembled inner frame can be seen in FIG. 37 of the drawings. Thus,when the inner frame is assembled, the web 400 travels over a workingsurface 420 which is then provided on the top of the frame. The box 421is formed by blank 422. This box may be formed in any manner usual andproper in the box making art, and may ybe made of board, paperboard orother suitable material. The box will compise a bottom 423, a top 424,sides 425 and 426 and ends 427 and 428.

The top 424 is provided with one or more observation stations 430 and431, and four slits 432, out of which wheels 403 may protrude when thecomplete box 421 is put together. It lcan thus be seen that turningwheels 403 in the direction of arrows shown in FIG. 32 of the drawingswill move the web in the same direction.

In this construction, the diameter of wheels 403 must be large enough sothat they will protrude from the slits 432 when installed on thebearings 411 0f the inner frame .blank 410. To complete the device, thebox 421 is assembled, and the inner frame, together with web, is slidthrough one of the open ends 427 or 428, the wheels are permitted tocome out of the slits 432, and then the end is closed. The box 421 isthen assembled', and the program may be viewed on the web by turning thewheels 403 in the same direction.

It is apparent that a wide and varied combination of elements ispossible through the use of the cartridges as 13 provided by all of theforms of our invention disclosed herein.

Programs utilizing this type of device will normally use instructionalitems, which are adapted to permit the student to obtain the correctanswer, leading him very carefully along the direction desired. However,if the student makes an incorrect response, it is desirable at the timeit is made to expose a referral number which will direct him toIalternate information or, actually present thev referral informationdirectly at this time. A student may also indicate whether his responsewas correct or incorrect, so that the teachers may make whateverobservations are necessary with respect to the student program and theefficiency of the program str-ucture.

Among the advantages of the modular units are: The programs and answertapes are self-contained. The program portion cartridge may be reusedindefinitely. The answer cartridges may be submitted to the teacher,without. interfering with the utility of the question cartridge,for/.checking or verification if so desired, and is a disposable item.The programs may vary in lengthat the discretion of the educationalexperts who prepare them. They may contain, if desired, either theentire program and answers, or be separated, to be used in conjunctionwith a corresponding answer portion housing in its own cartridge. Whenthe answer cartridge is disposable in the manner described above, thebulk program is re-usable constantly, which is an excellent advantagerfor both the school sys- -tem and the student who wishes to re-studythe materials.

The cartridges may be made reversible by the simple expedient of turningthem over. This permits a smaller paper consumption with resultanteconomies in production and use. Each cartridge may be adapted so thatits basic feed may be either from roll to roll, from folded strips toroll, or a set of index cards or strips which are simply pushed, throughan opening in the housing, into and out of the observation station. Forexample, a supply of index cards may be provided below the observationstation with tabs which extend below an opening in the housing forfinger actuation. The student simply pushes the cards, one at a time, tothe observation station and then to a collection box. The cards may alsobe stacked under the observation station and simply pushed out of suchlocation one at a time. In the case of a separate answer cartridge, itmay be turned in, in its original sealed form, to the teacher Vforexamination. The program portions of the cartridges remain continuouslysealed and may be stored and submitted to the teacher or to the library,or used in the home in their sealed form. The problem of compromisingthe program when loading is removed. When used in conjunction witheither a simple or more complex machine, this permits freeing themachine at any time desired by the simple expedient of slipping out thecartridge and storing them until the next time the student will use themachine. With many current devices, a longer program ties up the machinefor a long period of time.

Additional advantages are that the cartridges may contain paper, film, acombination of both, or other materials to be used for projection,exposure, advancement or such, for any basic device. The machines may beused in conjunction with, or to control any audio visual apparatus, theanswer tape or program tape containing preprinted symbols, magneticimpulses, conductive inks or printed circuits which will activatevarious devices, electrically, electronically, or mechanically. Thepaper tape might activate a printed circuit relay, -for example, asshown in the circuit of FIG. a contact finger might push against analuminum strip to activate any desired device; or a small projectionsuch as a rivet sealed into the tape might release a spring whichactivates a mechanical counter, or releases a spring to open a window orperform any other function.

The answer tape may use chemically treated inks or paper which will give-color indications on correct or incorrect responses rfor multiplechoice, referrals or other situations, as desired. The ink impressionswould appear light to the eye, and when touched with water or othersuita'ble reagents would give distinct colorations. These colors may beexposed automatically by a small wheel or damp sponge running across thetape moistening the chosen response. Thus, for example, if the answersection corresponding to frame No. 1 were wron-g, a distinctive colorwould appear on the answer frame No. 1, where this would beinstantaneously observable to whoever reviewed the programs.

The modules and cartridges allow the teaching machine to be completelyrealiable, quiet, and extremely easy to operate. No special apparatusother than a simple housing is required when the cartridges are used.The program frames and the answer response frames are always at the samelevel and exposed in the proper sequence, positioning themselvesautomatically. If used, the oneway ratchet may be part and parcel of thecartridge, or be part of an external housing. The spindles, dowels, orother materials forming the roller sections may protrude through thecartridges or may be slotted so that they may turn only by key orratchet, entering the box from an internal housing.

The programs may be filed on shelves or in drawers, just as with books,the larger programs being separated into chapters, each chapter havingits own cartridge. The materials are freed from the normal wear and tearof the text book which is continuously handled directly by the student.

Eit-her one dowel or two may be used to operate the machine. Catridgesor modules may be equipped with color filters which permit dual channelsof appropriately colored information to be carried.

While the present invention has been described in conjunction withpreferred embodiments, it is to be understood that modifications andvariations may be resorted to without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention as those skilled in the art will readilyunderstand. Such modifications and variations are considered to bewithin the purview and scope of the invention and the appended claims.

Wherefore we claim:

1. A teaching device formed of cooperably related modular unitscomprising at least one program cartridge and at least one answercartridge, said at least one program cartridge comprising a housing, aworking surface associated with said housing and having an observationstation comprising a window thereon, a program sheet containing stimulisupported within said housing for feeding to said observation station,said station being adapted for exposing a predetermined portion of saidprogram stimuli in said window for viewing by an observer, takeup meanswithin said housing for moving a predetermined portion of said programsheet uni-directionally to said observation station, means coupling saidprogram takeup means with a take-up means of said at least one answercartridge, said answer catridge similarly comprising a housing, aworking surface associated with said lhousing and having an :observationstation comprising a window thereon, an answer sheet supported withinsaid housing containing concealable correct answers adapted to be fed insynchrony with the program sheet contained in said program cartridge bymeans of said coupled answer takeup means within said answer housing,opaque masking means associated with the window of said answer catridgefor concealing a correct answer while exposing a predetermined portionof said answer sheet for recording thereon an answer by an observer, anda space within the window above the opaque masking means for exposingsaid correct answer for comparison with a recorded answer after theinsertion thereof and movement of the answer sheet from beneath theopaque mask.

2. A teaching device formed of cooperably related modular unitscomprising at least one program cartridge 15 and at least one answercartridge, said at least one program cartridge comprising a housing, aworking surface associated with said housing and having an observationstation comprising a window thereon, a program sheet containing stimuliunwindingly supported on a spool within said housing for feeding to saidobservation station, said station being adapted for exposing apredetermined portion of said program stimuli in said window for viewingby an observer, a take-up spool within said housing for winding saidprogram sheet and moving a predetermined portion of said program sheetuni-directionally to said observation station, means coupling saidprogram take-up spool with a take-up spool of said at least one answercartridge, said answer cartridge similarly comprising a housing, aworking surface associated with said housing and also having anobservation station comprising a window thereon, an answer sheetunwindingly supported on a spool within said housing containingconcealable correct answers adapted to be fed in synchrony with theprogram sheet contained in said program catridge by means of saidcoupled answer take-up pool within said answer housing, opaque maskingmeans associated with the window of said answer cartridge for concealingthe correct answer while exposing a predetermined portion of said answersheet for recording thereon an answer by an observer, and a space withinthe window above the opaque masking means for exposing said correctanswer for immediate comparison with a recorded answer after 16 theinsertion thereof and movement of the answer sheet from beneath theopaque mask.

3. The device of claim 2 wherein each of the catridge windows of theobservation stations comprises slots in the surface of the housingthrough which the sheet material is threaded for exposing apredetermined portion thereof to an observer.

4. The device of claim 3 wherein the window in each of the cartridgeshas a transparent member overlying it and securely mounted to thesurface of said housing except for a cut-out portion in the case of theanswer cartridge for exposing a space on said answer sheet to render itaccessible for recording answer data thereon adjacent said concealedcorrect answer.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS .2,837,839 6/1958 Fernbach 35-763,056,215 10/1962 Skinner 35-9 2,800,330 7/1957 Pickard 40-86 2,425,1978/ 1947 Montague 35-76 2,924,889 2/ 1960 Di Lauro 35-9 3,081,560 3/1963Campo Agud 35-35 2,087,043 7/ 1937 Phillips 35-76 1,530,418 3/1925Saylor 35-76 EUGENE R. CAPOZIO, Primary Examiner.

W. H. GRIEB, Examiner.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No.3,392,460 July 16, 1968 Alexander Schure et al.

It is certified that error appears in the above identified patent andthat said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column l, line 14, "No. 3,046,675, issued July 3l, 1962" should read No.3,392,459, issued July l6, 1968 Column l5, line 2l, "pool" should readspool Signed and sealed this 25th day of November 1969.

(SEAL) Attest:

Edward M.F1ewher,1r. WILLIAM E. SCHUYLER, J R.

Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents

1. A TEACHING DEVICE FORMED FOR COOPERABLE RELATED MODULAR UNITSCOMPRISING AT LEAST ONE PROGRAM CARTRIDGE AND AT LEAST ONE ANSWERCARTRIDGE, SAID AT LEAST ONE PORGRAM CARTRIDGE COMPRISING A HOUSING, AWORKING SURFACE ASSOCIATED WITH SAID HOUSING AND HAVING AN OBSERVATIONSTATION COMPRISING A WINDOW THEREON, A PROGRAM SHEET CONTAINING STIMULISUPPORTED WITHIN SAID HOUSING FOR FEEDING TO SAID OBSERVATION STATION,SAID STATION BEING ADAPTED FOR EXPOSING A PREDETERMINED PORTION OF SAIDPROGRAM STIMULI IN SAID WINDOW FOR VIEWING BY AN OBSERVER, TAKEUP MEANSWITHIN SAID HOUSING FOR MOVING A PREDETERMINED PORTION OF SAID PROGRAMSHEET UNI-DIRECTIONALLY TO SAID OBSERVATION STATION, MEANS COUPLING SAIDPROGRAM TAKEUP MEANS WITH TAKE-UP MEANS OF SAID AT LEAST ONE ANSWERCARTRIDGE, SAID ANSWER CATRIDE SIMILARLY COMPRISING A HOUSING, A WORKINGSURFACE ASSOCIATED WITH SAID HOUSING AND HAVING AN OBSERVATION STATIONCOMPRISING A WONDOW THEREON, AN ANSWER SHEET SUPPORTED WITHIN SAIDHOUSING CONTAINING CONCEALABLE CORRECT ANSWERS ADAPTED TO BE FED INSYNCHRONY WITH THE PROGRAM SHEET CONTAINED IN SAID PROGRAM CARTRIDGE BYMEANS OF SAID COUPLED ANSWER TAKEUP MEANS WITHIN SAID ANSWER HOUSING,OPAQUE MASKING MEANS ASSOCIATED WITH THE WINDOW OF SAID ANSWER CATRIDGEFOR CONCEALING A CORRECT ANSWER WHILE EXPOSING A PREDETERMINED PORTIONOF SAID ANSWER SHEET FOR RECORDING THEREON AN ANSWER BY AN OBSERVER, ANDA SPACE WITHIN THE WINDOW ABOVE THE OPAQUE MASKING MEANS FOR EXPOSINGSAID CORRECT ANSWER FOR COMPARISON WITH A RECORDED ANSWER AFTER THEINSERTION THEREON AND MOVEMENT OF THE ANSWER SHEET FROM BENEATH THEOPAQUE MASK.